Apple to adopt advanced 3D touch technology for OLED iPhone

Feb 7, 2017: According to recent reports, the forthcoming Apple iPhone will come with a 3D touch module, which will be found beneath the OLED panel. In fact, it will be a layered arrangement, which was first introduced with iPhone 6s in 2015.

Instead of using a sensor with flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs), Apple may make the switch with thin film, which will have enhanced sensitivity compared to the earlier iPhones. This technologically enhanced model may pave the way for gestures.

According to analysts, locating a film sensor under the OLED panel is not an easy job. The current 3D touch system may have a rigid metal conductive plate as part of the layered sensor arrangement. It will also have a passive metal component under the film sensor to give a structural support, and to avoid potential damage.

Apple is rumored to launch its first OLED iPhone later in 2017. The OLED iPhone is expected to have a stainless steel ‘glass sandwich’ design with exotic technologies like wireless charging, an ‘invisible’ under-panel home button, etc. The OLED model may also have a wraparound OLED flex screen with embedded sensors.